MASSACHUSETTS OFFICIALS LAUNCH PROGRAMS TO PROTECT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND INCENTIVIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICIALS LAUNCH PROGRAMS TO PROTECT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND INCENTIVIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (Trust) have released the annual solicitation for projects to be financed by the State Revolving Fund (SRF) for 2019. The SRF offers subsidized loans to cities, towns and regional agencies to help protect their water resources and drinking water.

The Trust also announces three new programs that are part of the 2019 solicitation: an Incentivized Lead Service Line Replacement Program; an Asset Management Planning Grant Program; and a Housing Choice Loan Program.

“This year the Trust committed over $600 million to fund projects designed to improve water quality and upgrade its infrastructure,” said Treasurer Goldberg, Chair of the Clean Water Trust. “The new programs will save our local communities money and protect the health of citizens and the environment.”

“The SRF has long been a critical program to help communities and regional entities with wastewater and drinking water infrastructure,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “The addition of these three new programs provides additional assistance targeted to the important areas of ensuring that lead service lines are completely removed, providing additional funds for long-term infrastructure planning, and further incentivizing affordable housing.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to partner with Treasurer Goldberg and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to support municipalities in financing important water infrastructure projects,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. We are pleased to have committed significant resources to continue the essential work made possible by the Trust through the State Revolving Fund.”

To be eligible for Clean Water or Drinking Water SRF loans, municipalities, wastewater districts, and water suppliers must file applications with MassDEP demonstrating that proposed projects offer significant public health or water quality benefit, have local funding authorization and that there is a commitment on the borrower’s part to file a timely loan application. The solicitation will be open for projects starting July 09, 2018 and applications are due by August 24, 2018.

The 2019 solicitation contains three new programs created by the Trust;

1. Incentivized Lead Service Line Replacement Program allows projects funded by the Commonwealth’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to convert loan interest, that would have been paid to the Trust, into additional funds that can be used to replace private lead service lines (LSL). These converted funds will make private LSL replacement cost neutral for cities and towns, and free for homeowners. Additional information is found here.

2. Asset Management Planning Grants is a new $2 million grant program aimed at the creation of water infrastructure Asset Management Plans (AMPs). These plans are essential for water utilities in tracking the useful life of their existing water infrastructure. Additional information is found here.

3. Housing Choice Loan Program for communities that have achieved the “Housing Choice” designation under the Commonwealth’s Housing Choice Initiative, will be eligible for an interest rate reduction up to .5% from the standard below market rate of 2% offered for most Trust loans. Additional information is found here.

The 2018 solicitation resulted in $610.5 million in water infrastructure projects - $126.5 million in Drinking Water and $484 million in Clean Water projects, funding 61 new construction projects and continued funding for 10 multi-year projects. In addition to project funding, the Trust pledged $21.1 million in principal forgiveness for eligible communities. Please visit MassDEP’s State Revolving Fund Loan Program website for additional information.

https://www.mass.gov/state-revolving-fund-srf-loan-program

For more information about these programs please visit the Special Programs page of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust webpage.

Governor Baker Signs Bond Bill Authorizing $3.9 Billion to Maintain and Modernize Capital Assets

Governor Baker Signs Bond Bill Authorizing $3.9 Billion to Maintain and Modernize Capital Assets

Bill will pave way for major investments in public college and university campuses, address statewide capital needs across state agencies

WESTFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker today participated in a ceremonial bill-signing for An Act providing for capital facility repairs and improvements for the Commonwealth, which authorizes approximately $3.9 billion to address the Commonwealth’s statewide capital needs, including higher education campuses, health and human services facilities, state office buildings, public safety facilities, and courts.

Governor Baker signed the bill on the campus of Westfield State University, which is planning a renovation of Parenzo Hall into a state-of-the-art facility that will house technology-rich classrooms and two new academic centers. The project is part of the Administration’s new strategic framework for long-term capital investments in public higher education campuses, which prioritizes projects system-wide to address the deferred maintenance backlog and to support workforce skills needs.

“Westfield State University is one of many examples of how these capital dollars will be put to good use to renovate the campus and provide state-of-the art classrooms and learning spaces for students,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “We thank the Legislature for their collaboration to authorize nearly $4 billion in spending to refurbish and improve our schools, hospitals and courthouses across the state.”

“This bond authorization will help support our approach to make the most productive use of taxpayer dollars while addressing the deferred maintenance backlog,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “A modernized Parenzo Hall will help prepare a new generation of Westfield students to join the workforce and is an important investment in the region and in the Commonwealth’s future overall.”

Parenzo Hall opened in 1956 as the first building on the current Westfield State campus and has not undergone major renovations since. The renovation project is consistent with the Administration’s approach to capital investment that emphasizes repairing and modernizing existing assets, while ensuring that spending is always maintained at an affordable level. 

“The Baker-Polito administration’s consistent approach to capital investing balances the need to maintain and upgrade the Commonwealth’s infrastructure with a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan said. “We thank the Legislature for approving the authorization that will get many important projects off the ground and see others through to completion.”

“This plan marks a critical turning point in the Commonwealth’s approach to capital funding for public higher education. Our goal is to maximize the use and functionality of existing spaces; align programs to meet regional and statewide workforce needs; strengthen partnerships between higher education and private sector employers; and encourage more creative and efficient use of existing spaces,” Education Secretary James Peyser said. “We recognize our public colleges and universities face some daunting challenges when it comes to their capital assets. Our annual investment in deferred maintenance projects will be at least three times greater than in the recent past.”

The bond bill authorizes $950 million overall for public higher education investments. The Administration’s five-year Capital Investment Plan has budgeted $190 million for capital repairs, renovations and improvements at state universities and community colleges and the University of Massachusetts system in Fiscal Year 2019, including $37.3 million in FY19 for critical repairs at all 29 campuses in the state system and $50 million for significant infrastructure projects to address potential operational and life safety issues.

In addition to Westfield State, the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan funds major new projects at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Berkshire Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Cape Cod Community College, and Massachusetts Bay Community College, and engages in a planning and project readiness process with additional projects at  Massasoit Community College, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Salem State University, Springfield Technical Community College, and Worcester State University. The capital plan also commits $88 million to other ongoing campus projects, including addressing the substructure at University of Massachusetts – Boston and projects at Holyoke Community College, Roxbury Community College, Northern Essex Community College, and Quinsigamond Community College.

“We are committed to funding critical repairs and capital improvements for all 29 campuses in the state’s public higher education system,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos Santiago. “This strategic investment is not only fiscally responsible and necessary, but also aligns well with the public higher education system’s goals of supporting college access, affordability and success for today’s students, and in turn the Commonwealth’s workforce and economy for decades to come.”

“This bond authorization will enable important infrastructure investments across the Commonwealth,” said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “DCAMM was pleased to collaborate with our partners across state government to identify priority investments, and is particularly glad to see the strategic plan for higher education investments being implemented.”

In addition to the $950 million for higher education projects, authorizations in the bond bill signed today include:

·       $760.5 million for court facilities statewide;

·       $680 million for construction, renovations, and accessibility improvements at state office buildings;

·       $401 million for health and human services facilities (Governor Baker previously signed legislation authorizing $199 million for a new long-term care facility at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, in November 2017);

·       $500 million for public safety facilities, and an additional $20 million for public safety equipment; and

·       $235 million for energy efficiency and climate change resiliency projects at state facilities.

“This bill demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s assets,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “The investments authorized in this legislation will help ensure that our college campuses, health care facilities, public safety offices and other state buildings can continue to ably serve the residents of Massachusetts.”

“We sent this bill to the Governor’s desk to ensure that our constituents are provided the best services and amenities that our state has to offer,” said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “This legislation demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to the maintenance and improvement of the Commonwealth’s capital projects and facilities.”

Reforms included in the bill will reduce red tape and expedite repairs by increasing the deferred maintenance delegation limit for the UMass system to $10 million and streamlining procedures for smaller structural mechanical and repair projects at other state agencies. These provisions will reduce project costs and time while providing greater flexibility and efficiency for agencies and campuses.

“These bond authorizations will ensure our state facilities are well-maintained and well-equipped to best serve our residents and communities,” said Sen. Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “In particular, the investment in MassBay’s allied health facility in Framingham is an important first step in our continued work to bolster health and life sciences education in MetroWest.”

“As a graduate of Westfield State, I know how valuable the University is to students from the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district and throughout the Commonwealth alike,” said Sen. Donald F. Humason, Jr. (R-Westfield). “I am pleased that this bond authorization will make important improvements to the infrastructure of the campus, ensuring this important resource will be available for  students for years to come.”

“I am thrilled that Westfield State University and other state colleges are receiving these funds,” said Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield). “Investing in the facilities at these schools shows the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to improving public higher education. Keeping the buildings up-to-date is essential to ensuring that our public colleges and universities remain at the forefront of technology, innovation, and creativity. These funds will have a real and substantial impact on the success of students, faculty, and the institutions as a whole.”

“People all across the Commonwealth every day visit our colleges, courthouses, and many other buildings and facilities. As a state we have an obligation to ensure that these buildings and facilities are safe, well-maintained and meeting the needs of our citizens, and that they are replaced when necessary,” said Sen. John F. Keenan (D-Quincy). “This bond bill, a collaborative effort between the Legislature and the Governor, reflects our commitment to fulfilling this obligation."

“UMass Dartmouth is committed to making strategic investments in its facilities to best serve and prepare its students for the workforce demands of today - the Legislature included the necessary bond authorizations for such projects in the bill being signed this afternoon,” said Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), Chair of the House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “One of the university’s main priorities, a state-of-the-art science and engineering building, is now well on its way towards becoming a reality. New lab equipment and improved working spaces will enhance learning and attract young, passionate talent.”

“Westfield State University is greatly appreciative of this vital state investment to renovate Parenzo Hall into a fully functional, state-of-the-art educational facility,” saidRamon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D., president of Westfield State University. “Parenzo Hall serves as Westfield State’s hub of learning and activity. The enhancements and new programs made possible with this significant investment will enable us to further enhance accessibility to a quality public higher education in Western Massachusetts. The educational and community collaborations that will grow in this newly renovated facility will have immeasurable impact on our students, local high school students, and members of the surrounding communities and businesses far beyond our Westfield campus.”

MAYOR WALSH CELEBRATES FIRST WEEK OF MAYOR'S YOUTH SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM

MAYOR WALSH CELEBRATES FIRST WEEK OF MAYOR'S YOUTH SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 10, 2018 - Building on Mayor Walsh's commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities to Boston's youth, Mayor Martin J. Walsh this week is celebrating the first week of the Mayor's Summer Youth Jobs Program, which over the course of the summer will employ over 3,000 young people. "One of the most valuable investments we can make as a city is in our children, and providing them with every opportunity to learn and build their skills early on," said Mayor Walsh. "The Youth Summer Jobs Program is a critical program that is a reflection of our priorities and our commitment to ensuring that Boston's youth stay ahead and are equipped with the tools and confidence to succeed in their future careers." The Mayor's Summer Jobs Program works to empower youth by connecting them to jobs that provide mentorship and guidance, and promote skill building and networking opportunities that create lasting professional pathways to success. Summer opportunities include paid positions with Zoo New England, radio stations, Boston municipal government departments and more. Individuals hired through the program will have the opportunity to work as tutors, mentors, and counselors at many summer day programs. "The Mayor's Summer Youth Jobs Program is an invaluable program that aims to empower, uplift, and position youth for long lasting success," said Chief of Health and Human Services, Marty Martinez. "Youth participating in the program receive mentorship and guidance and critical skill building in safe and trusted spaces, giving youth the tools needed to thrive in their future endeavors." "Youth summer jobs are a pivotal opportunity for young people to explore their potential career interests, while expanding leadership and accountability qualities in preparation of future career and educational endeavors;" said Rashad Cope, Director of the Division of Youth Engagement & Employment for the City of Boston. "Mayor Walsh and the Division of Youth Engagement & Employment believe in our young people and the City of Boston's continued investment in youth summer jobs paves the way for Boston's emerging workforce." Last summer 3,015 young people were employed through the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program at over 100 community-based organizations. The program also includes a school year jobs program which hires over 500 youth each year. "This is my first job, and it's giving me experience in communication so that I can benefit in the future," said Alex Tieu, a sophomore at Josiah Quincy Upper School, who works at BCYF's Youth Engagement & Employment office helping youth obtain employment. "It's important for me to work so I can increase my professional development. And I hope while working with YEE, I can help other young people who are also just starting their first job." As part of the Mayor's Summer Youth Jobs Program - the Mayor's Office of Health & Human Services will work to complement the core Jobs Program and further support youth by launching a series of five additional youth-focused initiatives. The initiatives will focus on building healthy peer relationships and domestic violence awareness, supervisor training focused on building and strengthening youth-adult relationships, entering youth into a Learn and Earn College Credit three hour course, and a community focused financial literacy education. Additionally, through a partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, youth that self-identify as homeless, being in foster care, court or gang involved, DYS-committed or having experienced juvenile arrest or probation, experiencing poor academic performance, a child of a single parent, having a disability or special needs, lack of fluency in English or being a foreign immigrant, or  being a teen parent will be able to participate in the Signal Success Program, a 15 hour career and skill development to set up youth for success during and after the completion of the Mayor's Summer Youth Jobs Program. Boston youth were able to apply for a summer job online 24 hours a day for over a month through the SuccessLink portal. The selected youth were chosen for a position through a combination of a lottery process or workplace selection. Boston is a leader in youth employment across the nation with a focus on offering meaningful employment opportunities to young people ages 15-18. Mayor Walsh has made youth summer employment a priority for his Administration, pledging to place 10,000 Boston youth in meaningful summer employment through partnerships with other youth employment agencies and local businesses. In the fiscal year 2019 budget, Mayor Walsh allocated over $5 million to fund youth jobs through the Department of Youth Engagement & Employment. In addition, Mayor Walsh has encouraged private employers to hire Boston youth for the summer. This Friday, he will join representatives from John Hancock for a celebration of their MLK Scholar's program, which last year employed 650 scholars at 65 nonprofit sites. For more information on the Mayor's Summer Jobs program, please visit here. ###

Everyone Counts: New MNN Report on the Critical 2020 Census

Everyone Counts: New MNN Report on the Critical 2020 Census

$16 billion in federal funding Massachusetts, over $600 billion nationwide at risk of an inaccurate Census count in 2020

BOSTON - Today the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) released its latest edition of Commonwealth Insights, “Everyone Counts: The Importance of the 2020 Census to Massachusetts Nonprofits.”

The report, featuring interviews from four experts in their fields, examines the unprecedented challenges presented by the upcoming Census, what is at stake for Massachusetts, and the role that nonprofits can play to ensure a fair and accurate Census count.

“Census data drives the distribution of over $16 billion annually in federal funding to important programs across Massachusetts that nonprofits care about,” said Jim Klocke, CEO of MNN.

The report focuses in particular on the all-digital nature of the upcoming Census, "hard-to-count" communities in Massachusetts, and ongoing funding challenges, all of which could seriously hamper the collection of accurate data.

The experts define “hard-to-count” communities as those without reliable access to the Internet, those with immigrants and limited English proficient residents, those with large numbers of young children, and other low-income communities that face significant barriers to participating in the Census.

“An accurate Census count will support one of our key messages, that investing in immigrants is essential,” says Brooke Mead, Executive Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center, in the report. “If we can’t prove there are enough immigrants in the Berkshires (even though I know there are), it would be harder to make that argument, and could mean less assistance.”

The report highlights actions that Massachusetts nonprofits can take now to engage in the 2020 Census, including adding Census education and outreach to their public education and communications plans, advocating for full funding to the Census, opposing the inclusion of a citizenship question, and joining efforts such as Complete Count Committees that are already working on Census outreach strategy.

“We need to communicate about the Census early and often, and have as many nonprofits as possible build it into their communications” says Avi Green, Executive Director of the Scholars Strategy Network.

Although the 2020 Census has a unique set of challenges, the experts assert that nonprofits are uniquely poised to be crucial partners in collaborations and cross-sector partnerships directed at ensuring that all individuals and communities are counted.

“Nonprofits are on the front lines, in a position to help encourage their clients to participate in the Census and to understand how their involvement benefits their communities,” says Mary Jo Hoeksema, Co-Director of The Census Project.

Ultimately, the negative ramifications of an inaccurate census count will affect an ecosystem that exists on a scale beyond the day-to-day operations of individual nonprofits. David Moy, Senior Program Officer at the Hyams Foundation, says, “The reality of it is that if you care about education, infrastructure, elderly or disability services - they all rely on getting an accurate count.”

AG HEALEY LEADS MULTISTATE INVESTIGATION OF WORKER NO-POACH AGREEMENTS AT NATIONAL FAST FOOD FRANCHISES

AG HEALEY LEADS MULTISTATE INVESTIGATION OF WORKER NO-POACH AGREEMENTS AT NATIONAL FAST FOOD FRANCHISES

Ten States and the District of Columbia Sign on to Letter Requesting Information Related to Provisions that Limit Recruitment and Hiring Practices of Franchisees

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today led a coalition of 11 state attorneys general in sending a letter to eight national fast food franchisors about “no-poach” agreements in franchise contracts, which restrict a franchisee’s ability to recruit or hire employees of another franchisee of the same chain. Prompted by concerns that these agreements hurt low-wage workers and limit their ability to get better jobs, the state attorneys general have requested information and documents from these companies.

“No-poach agreements unfairly limit the freedom of fast-food and other low-wage workers to seek promotions and earn a better living,” said AG Healey. “Our goal through this action is to reduce barriers and empower workers to secure better-paying and higher-skill jobs.”

            According to the letter, 58 percent of major franchisors have no-poach provisions in their franchise agreements, and the number is even higher, at 80 percent, for fast food franchisors. Worker advocates argue these provisions have led to persistent low wage growth and are anticompetitive in nature. The letter asserts that no-poach provisions make it difficult for workers to improve their earning potential by moving from one job to another or seeking a higher-paying job at another franchise location, and that many workers are unaware they are subject to these no-poach provisions.    

                “The use of ‘no poach’ and ‘no hire’ agreements by national fast-food franchises unfairly exploits workers, especially low-wage workers,” said Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro. “Many workers only learn these agreements exist when they are denied the chance to advance to a better job, earn more money or obtain family-friendly schedule options. It’s wrong and I’m standing up and fighting for the rights of Pennsylvania workers to not be exploited.”

The letter was sent today to Arby’s, Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Little Caesars, Panera Bread, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Wendy’s, and asks these restaurants to provide documents that include copies of franchise agreements and communications related to no-poach provisions by August 6, 2018.

                In connection with the investigation, AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division interviewed workers impacted by no-poach agreements, including a McDonald’s worker in Iowa, Maria, who was barred from leaving her part-time job at one McDonald’s location to take a full-time position at a different location.

When Maria tried to report for work at the second McDonald’s store, she was told: “We told you we were going to hire you but cannot because you were working at another McDonald’s and so you cannot work here.”

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace are encouraged to file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor. For information about the state’s wage and hour laws, workers may call the Office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or go to the Attorney General’s Workplace Rights website www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor for materials in multiple languages.

            Today’s coalition included state attorneys general from California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. 

            This matter is being handled by Division Chief Cyndi Mark, Assistant Attorney General Meryum Khan, and Investigator Kevin Shanahan, all of AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division.

國會議員亞太小組要求和哈佛大學晤談入學許可過程

CAPAC Requests Meeting with Harvard University to Discuss Admissions Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) sent a letter to Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow requesting a meeting to discuss Harvard’s admissions process. The letter follows recent allegations that Asian American students are rated lower in certain admissions categories than other applicants. While CAPAC supports the lawful use of race as one of many factors that colleges and universities may consider in the higher education admissions process, the letter highlights the importance to ensure that racial quotas are not being factored into admissions criteria.

“As Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), we write to request a meeting with you to discuss Harvard University’s admissions process in light of reports of alleged discrimination against Asian American applicants that were brought to our attention through the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College case,” the Members wrote.

“We have long supported efforts to promote diversity in higher education, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which upholds the use of race as one of many factors that colleges and universities may consider in their admissions process.  However, we strongly oppose the use of racial quotas to cap the educational opportunities of specific racial or ethnic groups in the higher education admissions process,” they continued.

In addition to requesting a meeting with President Bacow, the letter requests Harvard University to provide more information on how certain applicants – including the children of alumni and donors – are prioritized in the admissions process and to explain the findings of an internal Harvard review, which found potential evidence of bias against Asian American applicants.

The letter concluded by saying: “It is our goal to ensure that every American who works hard is able to achieve the American Dream through enrollment at a university or college of their choice.  The key to this is transparency and the commitment to expanded higher education access, opportunity, and success for all.”

TEXT OF LETTER

July 6, 2018

President Lawrence Bacow

Office of the President

Harvard University

Massachusetts Hall

Cambridge, MA 02138

Dear President Bacow:

As Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), we write to request a meeting with you to discuss Harvard University’s admissions process in light of reports of alleged discrimination against Asian American applicants that were brought to our attention through the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College case.  We believe that access to higher education plays a pivotal role in building a strong middle class and providing the foundation for millions of young people to achieve the American Dream.  Our caucus supports transparency, diversity, and opportunity for all in the higher education admissions process.  We have long supported efforts to promote diversity in higher education, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which upholds the use of race as one of many factors that colleges and universities may consider in their admissions process. 

Admissions policies that promote diversity help to level the playing field for underrepresented communities by encouraging institutions to consider a variety of admissions criteria, including the distinct barriers that student applicants have overcome.  In fact, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students have directly benefited from efforts to increase diversity in higher education.  This is particularly evident within the Southeast Asian community, where 40% of Hmong, 38% of Laotian, and 35% of Cambodian Americans do not complete high school, let alone attain a college degree.  This is also true for many in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, where 47% of Guamanians, 50% of Native Hawaiians, 54% of Tongans, and 58% of Samoans who enter college leave without earning a degree.  These educational disparities highlight why it is important to expand opportunities to higher education and promote diverse learning environments that help AAPI students and other underrepresented communities succeed.

However, we strongly oppose the use of racial quotas to cap the educational opportunities of specific racial or ethnic groups in the higher education admissions process.  In August 2015, CAPAC wrote to the Department of Education and the Department of Justice that transparency in the admissions process is paramount to ensuring that upper-limit quotas are not being used to discriminate against any racial or ethnic group, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  Not only is the use of racial quotas concerning, but it is also unlawful under established legal precedent.  We strongly believe that the public would benefit from more information regarding the distinction between upper-limit quotas, which are unconstitutional, and holistic race-sensitive admissions policies, which are constitutional.  Unfortunately, these distinctions are not always apparent. 

In order to ensure that we have a better understanding of Harvard’s current admissions process, we request a written response to the following questions:

1. Media reports have highlighted that the children of Harvard graduates – or legacy students – are disproportionately Caucasian and wealthy.  What percentage of students admitted to Harvard University for the 2017-2018 academic year were classified as having legacy status?  For the same year, what is Harvard University’s admissions rate for legacy students versus non-legacy students?  Additionally, for the same year, what percentage of admitted students with legacy status were students of color?

2. Does Harvard prioritize applicants with certain “tags” – such as whether the applicant is a recruited athlete, a legacy student, or the child of well-connected donors – over others?  If so, how does the use of such “tags” impact overall diversity in the admissions process?

3. According to the motion for summary judgment filed by Students for Fair Admissions, Harvard’s alumni admissions interviewers gave Asian American applicants personal ratings comparable to those of white applicants, whereas your institution’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid scored Asian American applicants lower than all other racial groups on the same measure.[1]  What accounts for this disparity?  Does Harvard find that a noticeable disparity exists between personal ratings given by alumni interviewers and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for any other racial group?

4. In 2013, Harvard’s Office of Institutional Research (OIR) conducted an internal review of Harvard’s admissions policies that revealed bias against Asian American students.  A former OIR employee testified that these findings pointed to intentional discrimination. What steps, if any, has Harvard taken to address these claims of bias against Asian Americans in the admissions process?

It is our goal to ensure that every American who works hard is able to achieve the American Dream through enrollment at a university or college of their choice.  The key to this is transparency and the commitment to expanded higher education access, opportunity, and success for all.

We thank you for your attention to this important matter and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,